FI16318

Request

  1. Does your local authority use a professional genealogy or heir tracing service to locate next of kin in any of the following circumstances:
    1. Where an individual has died intestate or with no known next of kin;
    2. Where the local authority has arranged a public health funeral under its statutory duties?
  2. If so, please could you provide the name(s) of the genealogy firm(s) or individual genealogist(s) your authority has used for this purpose in the past five years?
  3. If your authority maintains a list or panel of approved genealogists or firms for such services, I would also like to request information on how my firm can apply to be considered for inclusion on that list.
  4. If you do not work with genealogist, can you confirm that should you be unable to locate next of kin, you then refer details straight to the Treasury Solicitor without the involvement of any professional genealogist?

Response

  1. Yes.
  2. Finders International (from October 2022).  Prior to this, genealogy firms were used on rotational basis (Finders International, Fraser and Fraser, Estate Research, Hoopers).
  3. The contract is in place until 30 September 2026. Tendering opportunities are placed on the Kent Business Portal.  You can register at https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/.
  4. Not applicable.